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My story

Reading & Writing / by LeighUnruly40

4 minutes ago

...See more Hi, I was looking for a place to share my story, and I thought this forum seemed like a good place to start. I hope I’m right. I was born in Leicester, and my parents were together until I was around three. Then my mum left with me, and we came to London, moving through temporary housing and eventually staying with some of my mum’s family. I don’t remember everything from that time, but over the years, I’ve learned about it through stories my mum shared. When I was around six, I started having a difficult time with my mum. She was often physically aggressive, using household items and sometimes her hands. I have a few clear memories that still stay with me—things like having my head banged against a wall and being told hurtful things or feeling scared in situations I couldn’t control. Those years had a big impact on me. My mum later started a new relationship, and when I was seven, I met my dad for the first time. I didn’t feel a real connection with him, and the visit was short. Shortly after, my younger brother was born, and I became a caretaker for him in a lot of ways, even from a very young age. My relationship with my mum continued to be challenging, and eventually, social services became involved. I spent my early teens in various children’s homes, which exposed me to difficult situations, and I often felt I had to fend for myself. I didn’t have role models to guide me, and over time I became involved in risky situations that I’m not proud of. In my twenties, I started a family of my own. I’ve been through a few relationships, and each has left its own mark on me, often bringing out issues I’m still learning to understand. I have three kids, though I haven’t been able to be as present in their lives as I’d hoped. Those experiences have been painful, but they’re also part of what’s pushed me to try and work through the struggles I face. In the years since, I’ve been diagnosed with several mental health conditions, including complex PTSD, borderline personality disorder, and depression. There are also things I suspect about myself, such as possibly having ADHD or body image issues, though I haven’t been formally diagnosed. I struggle with authority and have a very strong reaction to any kind of aggression toward children, especially given my own past. Managing anger has been a constant challenge, and I often feel overwhelmed by life’s challenges. My mum passed away when I was around 34, leaving me with a lot of unanswered questions and a sense of unresolved pain. I have siblings, but unfortunately, we’re not close, and I’ve often felt like the odd one out in my own family. After many years of homelessness, I’m now in temporary housing, which is a huge relief. I’ve found peace in things like camping and have even been exploring the countryside. Recently, I traveled to a village on the England-Scotland border and was moved by the kindness of strangers there. It reminded me there’s more to life than what I’ve experienced in the past, and I’m hoping to make that a part of my future. After using ChatGPT, I came across this community and, with a little hesitation, decided to give it a try. I’m hoping to connect with people who can relate, share advice, or even just provide some understanding. A friend who gets it would be amazing. Thank you for reading my story. — Leigh aka Unruly

New here

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Let's all decorate our cups xmas tree 🎅🎅🎅

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What would be the worst present you could find under the xmas tree???

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Why do you admire yourself ❤️?

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?

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Around the World / by Drifterbynature

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Posting once a week till happy?: #2

General Support / by sunnyLake7661

2 hours ago

...See more Hello, I just wanted to post a little bit of art I decided to redraw when I drew this character from a very obscure game (only a few people know it) called Genshin Impact, I dug through a lot of old art, some good and some embarrassing. Life has been interesting so far. Currently, I'm dealing with a feeling of demotivation. I find it very easy for me to get distracted and very easily dissuaded from doing tasks I should do, which is weird since I don't mind staying up to draw but when it comes to watching a lecture I instantly give up. Let's see currently life is progressing slowly, I'm studying at university right now (and I have a lot I can say about my academics but that's for another vent/post) and I'm in the middle of my exam period right now. I've been spending time with friends doing the usual playing badminton, and hanging out and I got my hands on some horror games cause a few were on sale. I've begun being a bit more open to strangers I'm planning to meet someone to study together with. I don't particularly stand out or have hobbies as cool as theirs so I am worried about being boring to them, but I'd rather embarrass myself than miss out on making another possible friend. I also decided to try and look for a local gym and arrange a friend to go with. My finances aren't great however I've been looking for work to pick up hopefully after the exams are over or maybe making money elsewhere. It's odd in my opinion, I go to school to get a job in the future but I never really had a job or had any desire to make money, (my parents lived frugally and I barely asked for anything if they offered money I generally refused to take it, very stubborn about using the same 10-year-old phone despite the battery being bricked) it may make me come off as spoilt but in general, I never really had something I wanted or any desire for money. Maybe that's a sign of my lack of future planning, but I don't know maybe there's a term for that (maybe complacent, but I'm not happy about my current situation either). I don't have much to say except life is still moving ahead and that dreaded sun in the sky is still rising (it's really hot and humid right now, ironic since my name is-) hopefully everyone has nicer weather and I'll post later again when I'm not sweating a lake. -SunnyLake

🎅 what is that one really unnecessarily expensive xmas gift you really want???

General Support / by Tinywhisper11

2 hours ago

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